Robert Lee Ritchason (Bob) passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, just days before his 88th birthday. He was born on May 4, 1938, in Zanesville, Ohio.
Bob proudly served in the United States Navy as an electronic technician aboard the aircraft carrier USS Leyte. During his service, he demonstrated remarkable courage by climbing the ship’s mast during a hurricane to repair the radar while the vessel rolled as much as 45 degrees from side to side.
Following his military service, Bob began a career with IBM as a Customer Engineer in Columbus, Ohio. He later transferred to San Jose, California, where he traveled extensively across the country, assisting fellow engineers with complex technical issues.
His IBM career eventually took him to the company's laboratory in Boca Raton, Florida, where he retired as a Senior Planner.
After his wife was transferred to Research Triangle Park, the couple relocated to Durham, North Carolina. In retirement, Bob worked in reservations for American Airlines, a position that allowed him to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes—travel.
Bob loved exploring new places and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Carillon Orban; his daughter, Amy Therrien and her husband, Frank; his stepdaughter, Wendy Garner and her husband, Tim; his grandsons, Cole and Reece Garner; his sister-in-law, Audrey Moeller; his brother-in-law, Devin Moeller; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
In lieu of donations, the family asks that you give flowers or a plant in Bob’s memory to someone you love or to a nursing home.
Shalom, Bob.